AN OLD-TIME NEWSPAPER,

Temuka Leader, Issue 2644, 10 April 1894, Page 3

AN OLD-TIME NEWSPAPER,

On the Bth of February last the Loudon Morning Advertiser completed its hundredth year of publication, and marked the occasion by presenting its readers with a facsimile copy of its first number, on haud-made paper with rough edges similar to those with which it first appeared. The news of that day is very interesting, as it will be remembered that the time was that of the Reign of Terror in France, and a long letter from Paris, dated only 11 days before, refers to Dautou and Robespierre as living actors. Fears are expressed lest the West India packet, considerably overdue, may not fiave fallen into the hands of the enemy ; and an English fleet of merchantmen, under a strong convoy, is announced as about to leave Genoa. In the parliamentary report, which is of the most meagre description, Mr Wilberforce is said to have introduced a bill for the abolition of the slave trade between Africa and the West Indies. Nor are the advertisements less quaint, including one of a marvellous invention for striking a light that may be qarrjefl }n the breeches pocket, and is most useful to ladies (!), being far superior to flint and steel. A State lottery is announced, the prizes amounting to £500,000, and the tickets numbering 50,000, which may be purchased in sixteenths, the first prize being £30,000. Among the actors performing at Covent Garden Theatre appears the name of the celebrated Richard Suett, who arrived at the stage door one very wot night, when he was accosted by a threatening-looking individual, who demanded to know if he were Suet. “ No,” replied the actor, “ I’m dripping,” and passed hastily into the theatre, thus escaping a premeditated assault. It \\ mild appear that the Morning Advertiser was originally published in order to raise funds for the Publicans’ A!o o,a;ffion,t:.-pro wdo supom-t for decayed members ami tho’t families, ami remained the property of that body for a number of voars.